Dr. Jeffrey Meltzer

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Dr. Jeffrey Meltzer, 72, passed away in his home on Friday from complications related to pancreatic cancer, closely surrounded by family and loved ones.



The eldest child of Irving and Gladys Meltzer, he spent his early childhood in Gloucester, MA before the family moved to E. Fayette St. in Syracuse. Irv and Gladys instilled in him a respect for education, and provided him with an example of a loving, respectful marriage. They also provided him with his cherished sisters, Debbi and Gale, as well as a large and close knit extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom helped fill his life with love and adventure.



A graduate of Nottingham High School, Jeff went on to become a skilled and trusted periodontist in Fayetteville for more than 40 years, and was proud to work with a wonderful staff and gracious colleagues. He was also involved in numerous professional and civic organizations, and rarely walked into a restaurant in Syracuse without being able to shake at least one person’s hand.



Jeff’s love of literature – he was a lifelong poet – led to a years-long commitment to the Friends of the Onondaga County Library (FOCL), where he served as a board member and President of the Rosamond Gifford Lecture Series. He was a devoted attendee of Syracuse Symphony and Syracuse University sports, and was happy to converse with friends and family about art, business and philosophy, as well as more critical topics such as the Red Sox starting lineup.



Jeff’s single most important and fortunate decision of his life, though, was when he married Toni Forman in 1968. A partnership built on mutual respect, their marriage served as inspiration to their children and to family and friends who were fortunate to be part of their 49-year love story.



He is survived by Toni, their two sons Matthew and Andrew, daughters-in-law Whitney and Paige, and his beloved granddaughter Zoe.



Funeral services will be at 11AM, Monday, October 16 at Sisskind Funeral Chapel, 3175 E Genesee St., Syracuse. There will not be a calling hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Temple Concord section 30 of Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; CNY Hospice’s Camp Healing Hearts, or to the charity of your choice. www.sisskindfuneralservice.com